Camburi (São Sebastião)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Camburi (São Sebastião) is an exposed sandy beach break known for very consistent surf, with waves frequently described as hollow and powerful. The break can work from well below 1 m up to roughly 2.5 m+ and typically produces short rides (often under ~50 m), with left and right options depending on the day and swell. From a wind-sport perspective, the kitesurfing window is tied to southern cold fronts, with best wind directions reported as SSE through SW. Conditions are generally suited to wave-focused freeride and wave riding when the sea state is cooperative, but the shorebreak and wave faces mean riders need competent board skills and must manage a safe launch and separation from swimmers. Safety considerations are important at Camburi: swimmers are a recurring hazard, and rip currents may form near the river mouth and on larger swells. Pollution can be a concern after heavy rainfall near the river, and floating debris has been noted following storms—so extra caution is warranted after rainy periods. For timing, spot-level surf guidance points to consistent sessions across many days, while the clearest “best wind months” from the spot data are August through November (frontal-driven). Weekend crowds tend to be much heavier than weekdays, and designated surf areas are common—so arrive early, respect the local flow, and keep clear of the main peaks during busy periods.
- Very consistent exposed beach break (often ~150 days/year).
- Hollow, powerful waves with both left and right sections.
- Works from under 1 m up to 2.5 m+.
- Best wind directions for kitesurfing: SSE, S, SSW, SW.
- Very consistent exposed beach break with hollow, powerful waves.
- Clean water conditions are commonly reported.
- Works across a useful range for both small and larger surf.
- Can transition to wave-kiting during southern frontal passages.
- Crowds build on weekends and holidays.
- Rip currents can occur near the river mouth and during larger swells.
- Pollution risk after heavy rain near the river mouth.
- Localism can be an issue during busy sessions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSE, S, SSW, SW
- Offshore directions
- N, NE, NNE, ENE, NW, N, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind can be linked to southern cold fronts; typical best directions are SSE through SW.
- Reliability
- low to moderate, relies on cold fronts from the south
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- August, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Spot descriptions range from very small up to 2.5 m+; typical surf conditions are often described as consistent.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach launch area; moderate width, can be narrow during high tide. Easy self-launch in good access conditions.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Easy self-launch is reported, but other spot-level notes describe launch difficulty as moderate and variable with tide.
Through the year
Extremely crowded on weekends and during the summer holidays (December-February); relatively quiet on weekdays.
Rainy season typically occurs from December to March (heaviest rainfall commonly in January and February).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave-focused kitesurfing that works best during southern frontal passages. Small-to-medium wave conditions; shorebreak and waves require solid board skills. Best wind directions are SSE, S, SSW and SW.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible during strong southern winds, but the spot is primarily surfing and kitesurfing focused; wave sailing is the main style here.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Foilable on lighter wind days or when swell is small, but the shorebreak can make entry and exit challenging with foil gear.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Only on lighter wind / smaller swell conditions.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Very consistent exposed beach break (around 150 days/year) with hollow, powerful waves. Works from under 1 m up to 2.5 m+ and can break left and right.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides (rising and falling).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed open beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore from the north for best conditions is suggested in regional notes; spot-level guidance also emphasizes light easterly offshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 2.5 meters, but on bigger swell it can become very heavy and challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic quality; very consistent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically short rides (under ~50 m).
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, punchy rides usually under 50 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Camburi (São Sebastião) in the full forecast view.
Camburi (São Sebastião) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- SE132°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2611 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.9 m8s period
- Temperature
- 17–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Camburi (São Sebastião) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.6–1.9 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Swimmers
- Localism
- Pollution
- Rip currents
- Heavy shorebreak
- River mouth obstacles (near left end)
- Floating debris after heavy rainfalls
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal in the area; main tourist beaches are typically covered.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Hospitals are available in the main town of São Sebastião.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Mild to moderate localism has been noted; keep distance and respect designated areas.
Rules of the spot
Designated surfing areas are common; kitesurfers should maintain a safe distance from the primary surf peaks and swimmers.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted in crowded swim zones during peak summer months.
- The left side of the beach near the river usually has the most consistent sandbars for surfing.
- Watch out for floating debris after heavy rainfalls.
- In crowded periods, keep clear of swimmers and main surf peaks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- São Sebastião
- Nearest Town
- Camburi
- Parking
- Street parking available near the beach access points, but fills up very quickly on weekends.
- Access
- Accessible via the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101), approximately 160km from São Paulo. Take the Anchieta Road until Rio-Santos Road. Instant access to the beach (<5 min walk).
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous pousadas and boutique hotels located within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Excellent selection of beachfront kiosks, upscale restaurants, and bars in the village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available locally for surfboards and SUP; specialized wing/kite gear is more limited.
- Gear Storage
- Many beachfront pousadas provide dedicated storage areas for guest sports equipment.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops offer board repair services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Camburi is part of a coastal stretch with Atlantic Forest scenery and surf-centric village life, with nature and hiking activities nearby.
Noted as family-friendly with flatter areas that suit casual activities.
Boat excursions for snorkeling and swimming in calmer waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Camburi (São Sebastião)?
The best overall months at Camburi (São Sebastião) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are August, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Camburi (São Sebastião)?
Camburi (São Sebastião) works with SSE, S, SSW, SW winds. Offshore directions are N, NE, NNE, ENE, NW, N, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Camburi (São Sebastião)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Camburi (São Sebastião): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Camburi (São Sebastião) suitable for?
Camburi (São Sebastião) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.